Trump Indicates Possible Relaxation of U.S. Oil Sanctions on Iran
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Jun 26, 2025

- Trump stated the U.S. may ease enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran to support reconstruction efforts- while maintaining the broader "maximum pressure" campaign.
- He noted China could continue purchasing Iranian oil post-Israel-Iran cease-fire, signaling diplomatic gesture to Beijing.
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has not given up its maximum pressure on Iran, including restrictions on Iranian oil sales, but that enforcement may be eased to help the country rebuild.
"They'll need money to get that country back in shape. "We want to see that happen," Trump said at a NATO Summit news conference when asked if he was lifting Iran's oil sanctions.
Trump had said a day earlier that China could continue to buy Iranian oil after Israel and Iran agreed to a cease-fire, but the White House later clarified that his remarks did not imply a relaxation of US sanctions.
Trump imposed a series of Iran-related sanctions on several of China's independent "teapot" refineries and port terminal operators for purchasing Iranian oil.
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Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told CNBC that Trump's comment about China's ability to buy Iranian oil "was a signal to the Chinese that we want to work with you, that we're not interested in hurting your economy." China is the top buyer of Iranian crude and has long opposed Trump's oil sanctions.Witkoff expressed a desire to collaborate and send a signal to Iran.